PrintWeek reports that several mail houses have spoken out against a stricter environmental standard for bulk mail. Amongst others, PAS 2020 asks junk mailers to ban the use of non-biodegradable materials in junk mail and to use a minimum of 75% recycled paper. The standard, which is being proposed by the British Standards Institute, has the support of the Direct Marketing Association, but only if it is introduced on a voluntary basis. In other words, bulk mailers don't have to change their ways.

Not feasible

According to PrintWeek several companies who would be affected by the new standard have questioned the availability of acceptable materials. Tony Nicholson, procurement manager at Nottingham based printing company Howitt, said: "The BSi may want 75 per cent of paper to come from recycled stock, but it’s not feasible. The lack of processing capacity has created a price imbalance between recycled and virgin substrates, which has led to a lack of availability of the former."

Alastair Smith, group sales director at NEMC, also questioned the need for the new standard and told PrintWeek: "ISO 14001 is a recommended industry standard, recognised in the market place. Why are we looking at a standalone standard?"

The Direct Marketing Association, on the other hand, argues that its members should see the PAS 2020 as "a tool that is able to improve environmental performance". Since the publication of the Waste Strategy White Paper in May 2007, Government has repeatedly warned that it will consider the introduction of strict environmental measures, such as a central opt-in system for junk mail, should marketeers fail to do more to reduce waste caused by junk mail.